Patents by Inventor Thomas P. Walker

Thomas P. Walker has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11953953
    Abstract: An avionics unit assembly for an aircraft can include an avionics unit (e.g., an underwater locator device, “ULD”), and a battery to power the avionics unit. The avionics unit assembly can further include a housing that encases the avionics unit and the battery. The housing includes a vent port for exhausting an emission from the housing during a failure of the avionics unit. The avionics unit assembly can further include one or more of a suppressor that filters the emission, a shield element that is resistant to chemical and/or thermal effects of the emission, and a bracket for mounting the avionics unit to a surface. A method integrating the avionics unit assembly onto a forward aircraft bulkhead at a mount location under an aircraft radome and for manufacturing the avionics unit, and an aircraft including the avionics unit are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Ramon L. Cuenca, Shellini P. Dowell, Thomas A. Jessett, Fadl I. Khalil, Warren S. Ng, Scott B. Vacknitz, Collis M. Walker, Archibald A. Gray, James C. Russell, Charles O. Adler
  • Publication number: 20070197881
    Abstract: A home-based remote care solution provides sensors including a basic health monitor (BHM) that is a measurement and feedback system. The BHM operates with low power integrated communications combined with an in-home, low power mesh network or programmable digital assistant (PDA) with cell phone technology. A cognitive system allows remote monitoring of the location and the basic health of an individual. The BHM measures oxygen saturation (SaO2), temperature of the ear canal, and motion, including detection of a fall and location within a facility. Optionally, the BHM measures CO2, respiration, EKG, EEG, and blood glucose. No intervention is required to determine the status of the individual and to convey this information to care providers. The cognitive system provides feedback and assistance to the individual while learning standard behavior patterns. An integrated audio speaker and microphone enable the BHM to deliver audio alerts, current measurements, and voice prompts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Inventors: James L. Wolf, Thomas P. Walker, Franz Huber, Robert N. Caruso
  • Patent number: 6004689
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell case and method of manufacturing an electrochemical battery are provided. The cell case includes a main body that encloses a plurality of individual cells in separate, contiguous compartments. After the cells have been inserted into the compartments, the compartments are hermetically sealed. The compartments may be separately filled and vented, and the cell of each compartment receives end connectors such as rivet connectors. The elements are electrically interconnected, such as in a series configuration. A top cap attaches to the main body, and encloses the interconnected cell terminals. The top cap may also enclose other electronics, such as battery recharging circuitry or a temperature sensor. The top cap may be sized and shaped to mate with connectors on specific electrical devices, and may be removable so that another top cap may be installed for use with another device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Bolder Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas P. Walker, Tristan E. Juergens
  • Patent number: 5895728
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell case and method of manufacturing an electrochemical battery are provided. The cell case includes a main body that encloses a plurality of individual cells in separate, contiguous compartments. After the cells have been inserted into the compartments, the compartments are hermetically sealed. The compartments may be separately filled and vented, and the cell of each compartment receives end connectors such as rivet connectors. The elements are electrically interconnected, such as in a series configuration. A top cap attaches to the main body, and encloses the interconnected cell terminals. The top cap may also enclose other electronics, such as battery recharging circuitry or a temperature sensor. The top cap may be sized and shaped to mate with connectors on specific electrical devices, and may be removable so that another top cap may be installed for use with another device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Bolder Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Walker, Tristan E. Juergens
  • Patent number: 5677078
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell and a method of manufacturing the same. Plates of opposite polarity are wound spirally and end connectors with protruding hubs are attached to each end. Elastomeric sleeves are fitted around both of the hubs. The assembly is placed within a casing having a jacket and an end with a hole through it, whereby one end connector hub and its associated sleeve extends through the casing end hole. The end connector hub is radially expanded against the sleeve by installing a blind rivet in the end connector hub, thereby causing the sleeve to radially expand into the casing. A casing cover having a hole through it is placed on the other end. A blind rivet similarly expands the end connector hub into its sleeve, and the sleeve is expanded into the cover. The plates may be of the very thin type, and the end connectors may be attached by casting them onto the thin plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Bolder Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Tristan Juergens, Thomas P. Walker
  • Patent number: 5565080
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is now provided a process for the production an anhydrous magnesium chloride-containing melt or electrolyte containing very low levels of MgO, typically less than 0.2% by weight MgO, directly from hydrated magnesium chloride feeds. More specifically, the process comprises the steps of a) feeding hydrated magnesium chloride in a furnace containing molten electrolyte from a magnesium electrolysis cell to produce a melt, the temperature in the furnace being maintained between 450.degree. and 65.degree. C.; b) simultaneously injecting an anhydrous hydrogen chloride-containing gas into the melt in an amount below the stoichiometric requirement of 2 moles of HCl per mole of magnesium chloride produced from hydrated magnesium chloride, and agitating the melt to keep any magnesium oxide in suspension in them melt, to dehydrate the magnesium chloride and react with the MgO in the melt so that the melt contains not more than 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Noranda Metallurgy Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Peacey, Mark W. Kennedy, Thomas P. Walker